Earlier this week, eBay Inc. filed comments with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on their Open Internet proceedings. In May of this year, the FCC proposed a federal rule in an effort to find a solution to the net neutrality and Open Internet debate. Due to the fact that the proposed rule would affect consumers, organizations and businesses across the country, the FCC requested the public submit comments explaining any concerns with the proposal.

A number of tech and Internet organizations submitted comments urging the FCC to preserve the Open Internet, including the Internet Association and the Computer & Communications Industry Association. Although eBay Inc. is a member of both groups, eBay submitted their own set of comments to the Commission focusing on the potential impact the rule could have on tech-enabled small businesses.

In the comments, eBay Inc. explained how the Open Internet is integral to the continued ability of small businesses to gain global opportunities that otherwise would not be available. For the continued success of the small businesses community in the United States, eBay believes that the Internet should remain Open to all and afford minimal barriers to entry for commercial and non-commercial users. In their statement, eBay urged the Commission to establish clear regulatory tools that ensure an Open Internet and that gatekeepers cannot restrict the ability of users to compete in the "most important channel for communications and commerce".

Read eBay Inc.'s comments to the FCC on the Open Internet debate.